Find out who makes the cut at the “Best of Beck’s” Kitchen Pantry Cook-Off to raise funds for MANNA

Find out who makes the grade at the Best of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry cook-off at La Cucina at the Reading Terminal, this Wed., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.! Three local foodies and a mystery guest will compete in a cut-throat, 30-minute cook-off to raise money for MANNA and win the grand prize – a $500 gift certificate to the Reading Terminal Market! Food writer Rick Nichols and chef Jennifer Choplin will select the winner.

To qualify for the cook-off participants had to earn most votes for their original recipes, incorporating the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry line of all-natural spice rubs including Devil Dust, Angel’s Kiss and Rub-a-Dub Rub, as well as Beck’s all-natural Creole Mayo.

“Best of Beck’s” is sponsored by Beck’s Kitchen Pantry all-natural condiments and spice blends, the Reading Terminal Market and MyPhillyAlive.com. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spice blends will be donated to MANNA. Attendees are encouraged to make a donation to MANNA’s mission of cooking and delivering nutritious, medically-appropriate meals to neighbors who are battling life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, renal disease and HIV/AIDS. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/BecksCajunCafe.

Rick Nichols to Officiate “Best of Beck’s” Kitchen Pantry Recipe Contest

Rick Nichols, the dean of Philadelphia food writing, has joined the judges’ circle at the Best of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry cook-off at the Reading Terminal Market. The competition, which will take place on Wednesday, October 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., pits three contestants as they prepare original dishes using the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry line of condiments and spice blends.

“Best of Beck’s” benefits MANNA, which cooks and delivers nutritious, medically-appropriate meals and provides nutrition counseling to neighbors who are battling life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, renal disease and HIV/AIDS.

“We are thrilled that Rick will be among the judging which also includes Jennifer Choplin, chef at SoWe Bar and Grille,” said Bill Beck, owner of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry. “Come out and help raise funds for MANNA and enjoy the tastes of some very creative and skillful foodies!”

The winner of the contest will receive a $500 gift certificate to the Reading Terminal Market. Individuals wanting to participate must first compete in a voting round by submitting their own recipes using at least one of the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry items. Participants may submit one recipe per spice blend or condiment. The voting officially began on Sept. 16 and ends on Oct. 7. To enter, go to the recipe contest tab on the Beck’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BecksCajunCafe.

Participants may obtain the Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices at a $2.00 discount per item at Beck’s Cajun Café at the Reading Terminal Market or at 30th Street Station.

Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices may also be purchased at Bacchus Market, Green Aisle, Pennsylvania General Store (Philadelphia), Grandpa Hick’s Cheese and Gourmet Shop (Lahaska), Highland Orchards (West Chester), Hollander Gourmet (New Hope), The Larder of Doylestown, Linvilla Orchards (Media), Love the Cook (Cape May, NJ), Sara’s Produce (Collingswood, NJ) and Hot Stuff (Chincoteague, VA).

Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices are a throwback to a simpler time with all-natural ingredients and wholesome flavors of home like horseradish, pickles and garlic. They are easily recognized in their vintage glass jars and retro style labeling. The line includes:

• Creole Mayo – a zesty sandwich spread, dip and salad mixer.
• BBQ Onion Relish – smoky, bourbon-infused flavor for meats, hearty cheeses and Hors d’Oeuvres.
• 3 Devils – a flavorful hot sauce for food and drink from fried shrimp to Bloody Marys.
• Angel’s Kiss – a sophisticated, international spice blend that sharpens the natural flavors of chicken, pork, and seafood.
• Devil Dust – a fiery rub for beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables.
• Rub-A-Dub — a bold rub and post-cooking seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of prime cuts of meat including steaks, lamb, pork and game.

The event is sponsored by Beck’s Cajun Café, the Reading Terminal Market and MyPhillyAlive.com. Proceeds of the sales of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices on the day of the event will be donated to MANNA. Attendees are also asked to make a donation to the charity to support their community efforts.

Founded by Chef Bill Beck, Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices bring zing to foods of all kinds. The line includes Creole Mayo, BBQ Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce relish and Angel’s Kiss, Devil Dust and Rub-a-Dub spice rubs. A three time Best of Philly winner, Chef Bill Beck’s has won acclaim for his deft hand and has been showcased at Manhattan’s James Beard House twice times. For more information, including recipes, ingredients and retail locations, visit http://www.beckskitchenpantry.com. Or call Jonathan Morein, Sales Manager at 215-565-5377. For more information about Beck’s Cajun Café, visit: www.beckscajuncafe.com.